Washington
State Ferry System Offers Regular Service From Anacortes To The
San Juan Islands

If you're like most people arriving at the San Juan Islands you will be
travelling via the Washington
State Ferry system. If you've never been on one of these fantastic vessels before
you're in for a very pleasant experience.These giant people and car carriers are part of
the
largest ferry system in the world and they make getting to and from the San Juan's
incredibly easy, affordable, and best of all, fun.

Drive
Or Walk Aboard

You can take your car, bike, RV, or just park your car at the terminal
and walk aboard for a very low
fare. First of all you need to make your way 80 miles
north of Seattle to Anacortes Washington.

Continue on 12th which becomes Oaks Ave and keep going until
you see signs for the Washington
State Ferry Terminal and you will veer right into the toll booth
lanes.

If you are driving from Bellingham simply go south on I-5 and take
the WA-20 exit to Anacortes.

Pay
& Go Your Way

As you drive into the Anacortes Washington State Ferry terminal you pick a line and inch your way up to
the tool booth. Have your money ready and tell them which island
you'd like to go to and they'll give you a receipt and tell you the number
of the lane for you to wait in. This
is important because lane 3 might be going to Lopez Island, Lane 8 to Friday
Harbor, and lane 18 to China for all you know.

The traffic
directors will motion you to the proper lane when you drive aboard the ferry and
they try to squeeze as many cars on as possible so you'll have to pull very
close to the car in front of you.

Try to pay attention to how close
you are to both sides because you might have to favor one side so you'll have
enough room to open your door and get out. Sometimes you have lots
of room and other times it's almost impossible to open your
door. Basically, just do
as you're told and everything should be fine.

SAMPLE
FARES 2005

These
are the higher peak season fares - Fares subject to change. Fares
are substantially lower during off peak season and there are discounts for
seniors and the disabled.

Route

Per Person

Vehicle & Driver

Anacortes To Orcas Island

$ 12.20

$ 39.60

Anacortes To San Juan Island

$ 12.20

$ 47.00

Anacortes To Lopez Island

$ 12.20

$ 33.00

Anacortes To Sydney B.C.

$ 14.70

$ 49.50

Safe
& Secure

Security is very
tight both at the ferry terminal as well as onboard each Washington State
ferry. Every car entering the ferry terminal is subject to a
search. The armed security men were very focused and serious as they
made their way thorough to every car. It's a comfort knowing they take security seriously and don't use
high school kids with plastic badges as security
guards.The guards appeared to be either military or homeland security personnel
and you could really tell they knew what they were
doing.

Arrive
Early

The Washington State Ferry System's website tells you to get to the terminal at least 20-30 minutes before
sailing time but it's not a bad idea to arrive even earlier if you want to be
certain you make it on. All
ferries operate on a first-come first-served basis and if a ferry is full there
is nothing to do but wait until the next one. To
pass the time you
can leave your car and go grab a coffee and danish in the terminal, walk
along the waterfront and take in the sea air, or just have a seat at one of the
picnic tables overlooking the bay.

Once
Onboard

The Washington State Ferries are a very safe and comfortable way for you to
get out on the water and see the San Juan's up close for yourself.
Once you've parked your car you can get out and make your way upstairs to the
passenger area. These boats are enormous with room to spare so
don't worry about being in a hurry to get a good seat. Even on a busy day
during high season there are more than enough seats available, both inside and
out on the decks. During a crossing you will often see bald
eagles, seals, dolphins, and perhaps even a pod of orcas. One
popular crossings is the Keystone/Port Townsend route for those crossing to the
Olympic peninsula to visit Port Angeles and the
Olympic National Park

WHALE
WATCHING

The San Juan Islands are a favorite vacation spot in North West
Washington State. The 172 San Juan islands offer endless recreational
opportunities, from sailing, sea kayaking, hiking, scuba diving, and whale watching.